COBB CONTINUES TO LIVE CHILDHOOD DREAM

By Patrick Lujan

Living out your childhood dream is so rare, only 4% can say they have done it.

Guam wrestler Jeff Cobb is in that rare category of living out his dream as a professional wrestler since 2009.

“It’s awesome to be able to live my dream and make a wonderful living off of what I love to do,” said the former Dededo resident.

The love for wrestling (amateur or pro) started with him idolizing Hulk Hogan. Now a pro wrestler himself, Cobb was fortunate to meet his childhood hero a few years ago.

As for the reaction of meeting The Hulkster? “I wasn’t as star struck as I’d thought I’d be.”

Becoming a star yourself can do that. Fourteen years into his pro career, the 2004 Guam Olympic wrestler has a big following of fans, especially in his current workplace – Japan.

Under contract with the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, Cobb became the NJPW World TV champion in May of this year in what he calls ‘a big one’.

The NJPW is one of the biggest and oldest pro wrestling companies in the world.

“Jeff is a phenomenal athlete,” long-time trainer and friend Melchor Manibusan said. “He’s a good wrestler, amazing athlete and an even better performer. He’s been doing extremely well in Japan. He has a massive following. The Japanese love him. He’s definitely great at what he does.”

What he does and how he got there dates back to his passion for grappling. The 2000 JFK High School graduate has a long list of lists since his pro wrestling debut in June 2009.

Countries: I think 14 different countries
Miles: too many to count, over a million miles flown though
Injuries: torn PCL, partial tear MCL, partial labrum tear, AC joint damage, many hyperextending/ sprains/strains, probably a few concussions

Despite all the wear and tear on the body and the luggages, the reward makes up for them all.

“Well, the money is great and it’s a lifelong love I watched as a young kid,” Cobb said. “I tried to never miss an episode, unless there was a power outage.”

“Travel/ hotel are covered by the company. I don’t spend much money on the road/on tour. They have the coolest freebies, tons of free meals. Japan has the best fans, they treat you like a star, they politely ask for pictures and offer to buy you dinner and gifts.”

Cobb is under contract with the Japanese promotion until January 2025. His next step is still up in the air, but wouldn’t mind sticking around the Land of the Rising Sun beyond that. He says that WWE and AEW are also in consideration.

“I never saw him go into that field, but because of his size, he’s very charismatic,” Manibusan added. “He’s creative like that. He’s a happy-go-lucky kind of guy and I’m really happy to see him succeed out there.

Quick Hits

GSPN: What do you say about people who think pro wrestling is fake and scripted?

Cobb: So are everyone’s favorite sitcoms they see on tv, some things are scripted, some are not. And it’s way more physical than any “scripted” show, and unlike tv shows, we don’t get multiple takes.

GSPN: Do you following what’s happening with Guam sports?

Cobb: Whatever I see on the Guam Sports Network IG page.

GSPN: How often do you get to come back home?

Cobb: Unfortunately, not as much as I’d like to.